INJURIES DIDN’T HAMPER SEASON FOR CRISCUOLO

Criscuolo, who was in the final year of his contract with the Buffalo Sabres organization, was sidelined multiple times due to injury, tallied 20 points (6+14) in only 43 games in his second year with the Amerks.

The 27-year-old Southampton, New Jersey, native insisted the athletic training staff and his fellow teammates were key components to helping his recoveries both on and off the ice.

“The people in this organization, from top to bottom, including the trainers, really helped me out,” said the 5-foot-8, 170- pound Harvard University alum. “Anytime one of the guys is out with an injury, whether it’s me or somebody else, the guys really rally around them and make sure they feel like they’re still part of the team.”

A team bonded together by a rock-solid leadership core, who according to Criscuolo, were instrumental in both the Amerks regular-season success and the development of team’s young prospects.

WATCH: KYLE CRISCUOLO YEAR IN REVIEW WITH ERICA WHYTE

“The guys just want to win,” said Criscuolo on locker cleanout day. “There are guys that have been around for quite a while, who have played in the NHL, and have a lot of experience. I don’t think you could find a better core group of older veterans. It did not matter if they were in the lineup every night or not. I think the group here did a good job of helping the young guys develop. A lot of guys took huge steps this year.”

As for Criscuolo’s summer plans, he will be back in New Jersey, where recovery from his ailments will be one of his top priorities.

“I will be making sure I come into camp next year feeling healthy and make sure that I can play as many games as possible,” Criscuolo added.

Getting healthy is one thing but he has another very important life milestone ahead.

“I am getting married in July, so that will be exciting. I’ll pretty much just be gearing up for that.”